Local area network

Abstract

A local area network that includes multiplexing means for establishing out-of-band channels along with corresponding Ethernet channels over shared network cabling; the out-of-band channels are configured dedicatedly for operating an IP telephony system including IP phones; a power sourcing equipment (PSE) may be further provided for remotely supplying power to the IP phones over shared network cabling; and means for access control and device location tracking may be further implemented for the IP telephony system.

1. An Ethernet switch, comprising:
 an Ethernet switching unit; and 
 a plurality of port pairs, each of the port pairs comprising a first 8-pin RJ45 jack and a second 8-pin RJ45 jack, four selected pins of the first RJ45 jack being coupled with the Ethernet switching unit for conducting a 10/100Base-T Ethernet signal associated with the Ethernet switching unit, and the other four pins of the first RJ45 jack being coupled with the second RJ45 jack for conducting a 10/100Base-T Ethernet signal associated the second RJ45 jack, and the second RJ45 jack being electrically disconnected from the Ethernet switching unit, whereby the 10/100Base-T Ethernet signal associated with the Ethernet switching unit and the 10/100Base-T Ethernet signal associated with the second RJ45 jack are delivered on a shared LAN cable connected to the first RJ45 jack. 
 
     
     
       2. The Ethernet switch of  claim 1 , further comprising a power sourcing equipment (PSE) for providing inline power over the LAN cable. 
     
     
       3. An Ethernet packet switching apparatus having a housing enclosure, comprising:
 a first Ethernet switching unit; 
 a second Ethernet switching unit, the second Ethernet switching unit being separated from the first Ethernet switching unit without an internal intercommunication link between the first and second Ethernet switching units; and 
 a plurality RJ45 jacks, pins  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  6  of each RJ45 jack being coupled with the first Ethernet switching unit for conducting a 10/100Base-T Ethernet signal associated with the first Ethernet switching unit, and pins  4 ,  5 ,  7  and  8  of the RJ45 jack being coupled with the second Ethernet switching unit for conducting a 10/100Base-T Ethernet signal associated with the second Ethernet switching unit, whereby the 10/100Base-T Ethernet signal associated with the first Ethernet switching unit and the 10/100Base-T Ethernet signal associated with the second Ethernet switching unit are delivered on a shared LAN cable connected to the RJ45 jack. 
 
     
     
       4. The Ethernet switch of  claim 3 , further comprising a power sourcing equipment (PSE) for providing inline power over the LAN cable.